Prior cryopreservation of ex vivo-expanded cord blood cells is not detrimental to engraftment as measured in the NOD-SCID mouse model

Cytokine-mediated expansion has been proposed and successfully used to facilitate engraftment post transplantation. This study examined whether cryopreservation following expansion has a detrimental effect on the ability of cells to engraft, using the NOD-SCID mouse model. Cord blood (CB) CD34(+) cells were incubated for 7 days with stem cell factor (SCF), flt-3 ligand (FL), and megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF). Expanded CD34(+) cells were transplanted into NOD-SCID mice either fresh or following cryopreservation and thawing. After thawing, recovery of nucleated cells was 94%, of CD34 cells was 63%, and of day-14 progenitors was 17%. The loss of day-14 progenitor cells among the thawed expanded cells did not influence the kinetics of human engraftment in the mouse. Bone marrow (BM) of mice transplanted with thawed expanded CD34(+) cells (14 +/- 3.9%) showed significantly higher levels of human engraftment than mice transplanted with fresh expanded CD34(+) cells (1.5 +/- 0.5%, p = 0.0064). Thawed expanded CD34(+) cells had significantly higher SCID Engrafting Potential (SEP) than freshly expanded CD34(+) cells (p < 0.001). Results suggest that prior cryopreservation does not prevent expanded cells engrafting in NOD-SCID mice.     

人急性B淋巴细胞白血病-NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull新生小鼠异种移植模型的建立

本研究旨在应用NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull新生小鼠建立人急性B淋巴细胞白血病(B-ALL)的异种移植模型。NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull新生期(出生48 h之内)小鼠经亚致死剂量(100 cGy)137Cs全身照射后,由面静脉输注FACSAria流式细胞仪分选纯化的B-ALL患者骨髓CD3-CD4-CD8-CD34+CD19+细胞,于移植后8-12周用流式细胞术检测受鼠外周血、骨髓和脾脏中人源细胞的植入水平及其免疫表型,并通过HE染色评价人源B-ALL细胞在受鼠各组织器官中的迁移浸润能力。结果表明,在接受B-ALL患者CD34+CD19+细胞移植的受鼠外周血、骨髓和脾脏细胞中,不仅检测到了不同程度的人源B-ALL(huCD45+CD19+)细胞的植入〔(83.36±10.05)%,(93.88±5.05)%,(88.31±5.01)%〕,而且植入细胞具有与B-ALL患者相似的细胞形态和免疫表型特征。此外,人源B-ALL细胞广泛迁移浸润到受鼠的肝脏、肺脏、肾脏和脑等组织器官中。结论:NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull新生小鼠模型能够支持B-ALL患者CD34+CD19+细胞的高水平植入,是对人B-ALL进行体内功能性研究的新型异种移植模型。     

人脐血间充质干细胞促进脐血CD34+细胞在NOD/SCID小鼠体内植入的实验研究

目的探讨人脐血间充质干细胞(MSC)联合人脐血CD34+细胞移植,能否促进CD34+细胞在NOD/SCID小鼠体内植入及加速其造血恢复.方法NOD/SCID小鼠于60Co 2.5 Gy照射后24h内由尾静脉输注胎儿脐血CD34+细胞1×105/只(低细胞量移植组)或1×106/只(高细胞量移植组),联合移植组同时输注脐血MSC 1×106/只.动态观察移植后小鼠外周血白细胞、血红蛋白和血小板恢复情况,于移植后第8周用流式细胞术检测存活小鼠骨髓中人CD45+、CD45+CD3+、CD45+CD19+和CD45+CD33+细胞的含量.结果①低细胞量移植时,联合移植组的植入率明显高于单纯移植组,分别为26.02%和16.52%(P＜0.05);高细胞量移植时,联合移植组和单纯移植组的植入率相近,分别为43.71%和39.23%(P＞0.05).②高细胞量联合移植组和单纯移植组的存活率分别为80%和70%;低细胞量联合移植组和单纯移植组的存活率分别为70%和50%.③无论高细胞量还是低细胞量组,联合移植小鼠白细胞、血红蛋白和血小板的恢复明显早于单纯移植组.④移植8周后,小鼠骨髓中人CD45+CD19+、CD45+CD33+细胞含量在低细胞量移植时,联合移植组高于单纯移植组;但在高细胞量移植时,两组之间差异无统计学意义.CD45+CD41a+细胞的含量无论在低细胞量和高细胞量移植时,联合移植组均高于单纯移植组.各组小鼠骨髓中CD45+CD3+细胞的含量均较少,且各组之间差异无统计学意义.结论①低细胞量移植时,人脐血MSC联合移植可提高人脐血CD34+细胞在小鼠体内的植入率.②人脐血MSC与人脐血CD34+细胞联合移植,加速NOD/SCID小鼠各系造血恢复,提高移植小鼠存活率.③MSC联合移植可促进人脐血CD34+细胞在NOD/SCID小鼠体内向粒系、B淋巴系和巨核系定向分化.     

Umbilical cord blood progeny cells that retain a CD34+ phenotype after ex vivo expansion have less engraftment potential than unexpanded CD34+ cells

BACKGROUND: Because of the limitation of cell numbers associated with cord blood harvests, there is a need to determine the efficacy of using ex vivo-expanded cord blood cells in a transplantation setting. In this study, limiting-dilution analysis was used in nonobese diabetic mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) to compare the engraftment potential of progeny cells expressing the CD34+ phenotype after expansion with that of uncultured CD34+ cells. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cord blood CD34+ cells were cultured in Iscove's modified Dulbecco medium supplemented with 10-percent fetal calf serum (FCS) and IL-6, SCF, megakaryocyte growth and development factor, and Flt3 ligand. The resulting ex vivo-expanded products were assessed for total numbers of nucleated cells, CD34+ cells, and CFUs and long-term culture-initiating cell activity. The engraftment potentials of cultured progeny CD34+ cells and uncultured CD34+ cells were determined by using NOD/SCID mice. RESULTS: After 14 days of culture, total nucleated cell counts increased over input values by 180 +/- 59-fold, CD34+ cell numbers by 44 +/- 13-fold, CFU activity by 23 +/- 5-fold, and long-term culture-initiating cell activity by 20 +/- 6-fold (mean +/- SD; n = 6). The frequency of SCID-repopulating cells (SRC) in mice transplanted with uncultured products was 1 per 20,000 CD34+ cells (95% CI, 1:10,000-1:38,000) and that in mice receiving ex vivo-expanded products was 1 per 418,000 progeny CD34+ cells (95% CI, 1:158,000-1:1,100,000). Taken together, these data indicated that, after 2 weeks of culture, there was a modest twofold increase in the total number of SRCs. However, the levels of human CD45 cell engraftment in NOD/SCID recipients of progeny CD34+ cells were significantly lower than those in mice receiving equivalent numbers of uncultured CD34+ cells (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord blood progeny cells retaining a CD34+ phenotype after ex vivo expansion have less engraftment potential than do unexpanded CD34+ cells.     

5% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and pentastarch improves cryopreservation of cord blood cells over 10% DMSO

BACKGROUND: Cell number and viability are important in cord blood (CB) transplantation. While 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is the standard medium, adding a starch to freezing medium is increasingly utilized as a cytoprotectant for the thawing process. Similar to hetastarch, pentastarch has the advantages of faster renal clearance and less effect on the coagulation system. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared a lower DMSO concentration (5%) containing pentastarch with 10% DMSO and performed cell viability assay, colony‐forming units (CFUs), and transplantation of CB cells in NOD/SCID IL2Rγ^null mice. RESULTS: CB cells in 5% DMSO/pentastarch had similar CD34+, CD3+, and CD19+ cell percentages after thawing as fresh CB cells. CB cells in 5% DMSO/pentastarch had higher viability (83.3 ± 9.23%) than those frozen in 10% DMSO (75.3 ± 11.0%, p < 0.05). We monitored cell viability postthaw every 30 minutes. The mean loss in the first 30 minutes was less in the 5% DMSO/pentastarch group. At the end of 3 hours, the viability decreased by a mean of 7.75% for the 5% DMSO/pentastarch and 17.5% for the 10% DMSO groups. CFUs were similar between the two cryopreserved groups. Frozen CB cells engrafted equally well in IL2Rγ^null mice compared to fresh CB cells up to 24 weeks, and CB cells frozen in 5% DMSO/pentastarch engrafted better than those in 10% DMSO. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the lower DMSO concentration with pentastarch represents an improvement in the CB cryopreservation process and could have wider clinical application as an alternate freezing medium over 10% DMSO.     

Long-term engraftment of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice with human CD34+ cells transduced by a self-inactivating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vector

Human hematopoietic cells with in vivo repopulating potential hold much promise as a target for corrective gene transfer for numerous inherited or acquired hematopoietic disorders. Here we demonstrate long-term hematopoietic reconstitution of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice with human CD34(+) cells transduced by an HIV-1-based self-inactivating (SIN) vector encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Human umbilical cord CD34(+) cells were transduced (up to 76%) at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI of 5) in the absence of cytokine prestimulation. Introduction of transduced hCD34(+) cells into irradiated recipients resulted in multilineage engraftment and stable transgene expression for 18 weeks posttransplantation. Bone marrow from transplanted mice contained up to 50% hCD45(+) cells and up to 63% hCD45(+)/EGFP(+) cells. Analysis of extramedullar splenic reconstitution showed up to 13% hCD45(+) cells and up to 41% hCD45(+)/EGFP(+) cells. Analysis of human progenitor cells isolated from bone marrow of recipient animals showed equivalent percentages of EGFP(+) colony-forming cells (CFCs) by fluorescence microscopy and by PCR analysis of provirus sequences, indicating minimal transgene silencing in vivo. These findings demonstrate the utility of lentivirus-based SIN vectors for hematopoietic stem cell gene transfer and provide strong support for their future clinical evaluation.     

人骨髓基质细胞促进脐血CD34+细胞的体外扩增和对NOD/SCID小鼠的植入

目的 研究人骨髓基质细胞(MSC)促进脐血CD34+细胞体外扩增及植入能力的作用.方法 分离、培养正常人的MSC作为滋养层细胞.在TPO、SCF、FL和G-CSF刺激下,比较有、无MSC滋养层细胞对扩增脐血CD34+细胞后,CD34+细胞和CFU数的增加倍数,以及植入非肥胖性糖尿病/重症联合免疫缺陷(NOD/SCID)小鼠的能力.结果 以骨髓MSC为滋养层细胞的培养体系可以更加有效地扩增脐血CD34+细胞.体外扩增1周总细胞数(TNC)、CD34+细胞和CFU的均数分别增加111.6、19.3和58.0倍;体外扩增2周后TNC、CD34+细胞和CFU的均数分别增加532.8、41.3和563.5倍.脐血细胞输入NOD/SCID小鼠6周后,移植未扩增脐血细胞的对照组小鼠骨髓细胞中人CD45+细胞比例仅为1.2%～3.7%;移植单纯细胞因子刺激扩增组小鼠骨髓中,人CD45+细胞比例为7.6%～12.1%;以MSC为滋养层扩增的脐血细胞移植组,人CD45+细胞比例达到45.3%～59.1%.结论 以人骨髓MSC为作为饲养层细胞,不但可以更加有效扩增脐血CD34+细胞,而且可以促进脐血细胞植入NOD/SCID小鼠的能力,有潜在的临床应用价值.     

Trehalose ameliorates the cryopreservation of cord blood in a preclinical system and increases the recovery of CFUs,long-term culture-initiating cells,and nonobese diabetic-SCID repopulating cells

BACKGROUND: The cryopreservation of HPCs in DMSO has been practiced by cord blood (CB) banks worldwide. Inevitably, some detriment to biologic function occurs as the result of freezing injuries and DMSO toxicity. Trehalose, a disaccharide, is a natural cryoprotectant in organisms capable of surviving extreme dehydration and cold. The objective of this study was to establish the cryopreservation of CB under preclinical conditions using trehalose as a supplement to DMSO. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a preclinical protocol, the effects of 5-percent trehalose with 10-percent DMSO or 5-percent DMSO on the cryopreservation of CB MNCs or nucleated cells (NCs) were further evaluated. The read-out system consisted of a panel of HPCs: early progenitors (CFU-GEMM, long-term culture-initiating cells [LTC-IC]) and committed progenitors (CFU-GM, CFU/BFU-E, CFU-megakaryocyte [CFU-MK]). The homing and engraftment capacity of these cells were assessed in nonobese diabetic (NOD)-SCID mice. RESULTS: Trehalose increased the recoveries of CFU-GM, CFU/BFU-E, CFU-GEMM, and LTC-IC by over 7.25 percent (mean), 11.9 percent, 19.2 percent, and 12.9 percent, respectively, when compared with those in paired CB samples cryopreserved in 10-percent DMSO. Freezing and thawing reduced the yields of CFU-MK by 35.5 percent (mean) and 28.4 percent in MNC and NC samples, respectively, and the inclusion of 5-percent trehalose significantly retrieved these progenitor cells to over 90 percent of fresh samples. The improved recovery of functional HPLs was reflected by their multilineage engraftment in NOD-SCID mice. CONCLUSION: Trehalose at 5 percent significantly ameliorates the cryopreservation of CB progenitor cells at a preclinical protocol. The increased recoveries of these cells might potentially improve the engraftment outcomes of CB transplants.     

Differential transduction efficiency of SCID-repopulating cells derived from umbilical cord blood and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood.

The gene transfer efficiency into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID)-repopulating cells (SRCs) derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) (n = 11 NOD/SCID mice) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood (MPB) (n = 64 NOD/SCID mice) was compared using a clinically relevant protocol and a retrovirus vector expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). At 6-9 weeks after transplantation, the frequency of transduced human cells in the bone marrow (BM) (40.5% +/- 2.4% [mean +/- SE]) and spleen (SPL) (36.4% +/- 3.2%) in recipients of UCB cells was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that observed in the BM (2.2% +/- 1.8%) and SPL (2.0% +/- 2.6%) in recipients of MPB. In subsequent studies, MPB was cultured for 2-8 days in cytokines prior to transduction to determine if longer prestimulation was required for optimal gene transfer. A significant increase in gene transfer into CD45(+) human cells and clonogenic cells derived from MPB SRCs was observed when cells were prestimulated for 6 days compared to 2 days prior to transduction (p = 0.019). However, even after 6 days of prestimulation, transduction was still significantly less than UCB. A substantial discrepancy exists in the ability to introduce genes effectively via retrovirus vectors into SRCs derived from MPB as compared to UCB.     

Expansion of human NOD/SCID-repopulating cells by stem cell factor, Flk2/Flt3 ligand, thrombopoietin, IL-6, and soluble IL-6 receptor

Here, we demonstrate a significant ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells capable of repopulating in NOD/SCID mice. Using a combination of stem cell factor (SCF), Flk2/Flt3 ligand (FL), thrombopoietin (TPO), and a complex of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6/sIL-6R), we cultured cord blood CD34(+) cells for 7 days and transplanted these cells into NOD/SCID mice. Bone marrow engraftment was judged successful when recipient animals contained measurable numbers of human CD45(+) cells 10-12 weeks after transplantation. When cells were cultured with SCF+FL+TPO+IL-6/sIL-6R, 13 of 16 recipients were successfully engrafted, and CD45(+) cells represented 11.5% of bone marrow cells in engrafted recipients. Cells cultured with a subset of these factors were less efficiently engrafted, both as measured by frequency of successful transplantations and prevalence of CD45(+) cells. In animals receiving cells cultured with all 4 factors, human CD45(+) cells represented various lineages, including a large number of CD34(+) cells. The proportion of CD45(+) cells in recipient marrow was 10 times higher in animals receiving these cultured cells than in those receiving comparable numbers of fresh CD34(+) cells, and the expansion rate was estimated at 4.2-fold by a limiting dilution method. Addition of IL-3 to the cytokine combination abrogated the repopulating ability of the expanded cells. The present study may provide a novel culture method for the expansion of human transplantable hematopoietic stem cells suitable for clinical applications.     

Cryopreservation of hematopoietic progenitor cells with 5-percent dimethyl sulfoxide at −80 degrees C without rate-controlled freezing

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of hematopoietic cells with the rate- controlled method is used in the majority of centers. In recent years, there has been a trend toward the simplification of the process. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A simplified method for cryopreservation was developed with 5-percent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the sole cryoprotectant without rate-controlled freezing. Experiments were done with progressive concentrations of DMSO, ranging from 0 to 10 percent. With DMSO concentrations from 5- to 10-percent, the best recovery and viability for hematopoietic progenitor cells were observed. Hematopoietic progenitor cells with plasma and 5-percent DMSO were frozen and stored in a -80 degrees C mechanical freezer. Ten patients with solid and hematologic malignancies underwent transplantation with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells. RESULTS: The median number of transfused mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells was 3.70 (3.1-8.2) × 10(8) per kg and 1.70 (0.8-6.5) × 10(6) per kg, respectively. The median number of transfused colony-forming units-granulocyte-macrophage was 12.45 (3.4-55.3) × 10(4) per kg. All patients showed rapid and sustained engraftment. The mean times to reach a neutrophil count of 0.5 × 10(9) per L and a platelet count of 50 × 10(9) per L were 11.50 +/− 1.70 and 13.90 +/− 3.98 days, respectively. All patients are alive and without transfusion requirements in complete remission 2 to 8 months after transplantation. CONCLUSION: This simplified cryopreservation technique will be useful for institutions without rate- controlled freezing facilities. Moreover, this method diminishes the amount of DMSO infused to patients, as well as its toxicity.     

1963份脐血造血干细胞的处理与保存

本研究目的是建立脐血造血干细胞库的标准工作程序。采用自然沉降法加离心法制备脐血的造血干细胞 ,经CD34 细胞计数、集落培养、微生物检测、传染病指标检测、HLA分型后 ,将造血干细胞贮存在液氮中保存。结果表明 :贮存脐带血造血干细胞有核细胞数平均值为 (10 .94± 2 .74 )× 10 8,回收率为 (79.82± 17.76 ) % ,CD34 细胞数平均值为 (5 1.6 2± 30 .5 3)× 10 5。 8份脐带血造血干细胞冰冻 2年后复苏 ,其有核细胞、CD34 细胞、CFU GM回收率分别为 (91.4± 6 .0 ) %、(84 .6± 2 0 .0 ) %、(85 .8± 14 .9) %。结论 :本方法和程序能有效地保存脐带血造血干细胞。     

Previously undetected human hematopoietic cell populations with short-term repopulating activity selectively engraft NOD/SCID-beta2 microglobulin-null mice

Increasing use of purified or cultured human hematopoietic cells as transplants has revealed an urgent need for better methods to predict the speed and durability of their engraftment potential. We now show that NOD/SCID-beta2 microglobulin-null (NOD/SCID-beta2m-/-) mice are sequentially engrafted by two distinct and previously unrecognized populations of transplantable human short-term repopulating hematopoietic cells (STRCs), neither of which efficiently engraft NOD/SCID mice. One is predominantly CD34+CD38+ and is myeloid-restricted; the other is predominantly CD34+CD38- and has broader lymphomyeloid differentiation potential. In contrast, the long-term repopulating human cells that generate lymphoid and myeloid progeny in NOD/SCID mice engraft and self-renew in NOD/SCID-beta2m-/- mice equally efficiently. In short-term expansion cultures of adult bone marrow cells, myeloid-restricted STRCs were preferentially amplified (greater than tenfold) and, interestingly, both types of STRC were found to be selectively elevated in mobilized peripheral blood harvests. These results suggest an enhanced sensitivity of STRCs to natural killer cell-mediated rejection. They also provide new in vivo assays for different types of human STRC that may help to predict the engraftment potential of clinical transplants and facilitate future investigation of early stages of human hematopoietic stem cell differentiation.     

BioArchive自动液氮储存系统保存的胎盘脐血的冷冻生物学特征

为了解在特定降温和复温过程中于BioArchive自动液氮储存系统保存的胎盘脐血 (PCB)的冷冻生物学特征 ,采用Procount方法流式细胞术测定CD34+ 细胞含量 ,细胞集落形成单位 (CFU)检测CD34+ 细胞的增殖能力 ,台盼蓝拒染法和白细胞分类测定有核细胞活存率和白细胞分类变化。结果显示 ,冻存复温后PCB有核细胞平均活存率为 (73.3± 12 .5 ) % ;PCBCD34+ 细胞的含量在冻存前为 (0 .3± 0 .2 1) % ,冻存复温后为 (0 .4 5± 0 .36 ) %。冻存复温后PCBCFU GM / G/ GEMM形成能力为冻存前的 (97.9± 39.9) %。比较大、小冷冻袋冻存复温后PCB细胞活存率和CFU GM/ G/ GEMM的形成能力无显著差异。另外 ,冻存复温后PCB的白细胞分类明显改变 ,粒细胞百分比明显降低 ,淋巴细胞和单核细胞百分比明显升高。结论 :在本研究中所采用的降温与复温程序不适于保存粒细胞 ,但是能够很好地保存淋巴细胞和单核细胞 ,尤其是CD34+ 的幼稚造血细胞。     

Improved postthaw viability and in vitro functionality of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cells after cryopreservation with a theoretically optimized freezing curve

BACKGROUND: The freezing curve currently used for the cryopreservation of peripheral blood stem cell transplants (PBSCTs) has been determined empirically. Although the use of cryopreserved PBSCTs is successful and usually leads to rapid hematopoietic recovery, the freeze-thawing process is known to induce a significant degree of cell death. Furthermore, the infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), used to protect the cells against damage induced by freezing, can cause morbidity. Therefore, optimizing the current cryopreservation protocol (with 10% DMSO and a slow linear cooling curve) with theoretically optimized freezing curves and a lower DMSO concentration might improve the recovery after transplantation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A theoretical model was used to predict optimal freezing curves for 5 and 10 percent DMSO. CD34+-selected and -unselected PBSCs were cryopreserved with the current or the new freezing curves. Postthaw quality was evaluated by cell viability, colony formation, and megakaryocyte outgrowth. RESULTS: With 10 percent DMSO, the use of the predicted optimal freezing curve resulted in increased postthaw viability of CD34+ cells, colony formation, and megakaryocyte outgrowth. Lowering the DMSO concentration to 5 percent resulted in improved postthaw viability and functionality, which was not further improved by use of the theoretically optimized freezing curve. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the current cryopreservation method for PBSCTs can be improved by either lowering the DMSO concentration to 5 percent or by using the theoretically optimized freezing curve. Infusion of less DMSO and more viable cells might improve the outcome of PBSCT.     

NK细胞对异基因骨髓移植中移植排斥和造血及免疫重建的影响

本研究探讨自然杀伤（NK）细胞在小鼠异基因骨髓移植（allo—BMT）中对移植排斥、造血及免疫重建的影响。以C57BL／6（H-2^b）小鼠为供鼠、BALB／c（H-2^d）小鼠为受鼠，分别在致死剂量和非致死剂量（≤7．0Gy）全身照射（TBI）的预处理条件下进行allo—BMT，移植同时输注供鼠外周T细胞和（或）NK细胞，移植后不同时间检测受鼠外周血白细胞、骨髓CD34^＋细胞数和外周血淋巴细胞中CD3^＋细胞、CD19^＋细胞及供鼠来源的H-2K^b＋细胞表达的百分率，并对不同移植组的存活率、植入与排斥、造血及免疫重建进行比较。结果表明：在致死剂量TBI预处理的移植中，输注NK细胞与不输注NK细胞的移植组比较，存活率显著增高（60天存活率为70％vs 0．0％）；白细胞数、CD19^＋细胞表达及骨髓CD34^＋细胞数恢复快；H-2K^b＋细胞的表达水平高[（86．68±4．45）％vs（4．68±0．32）％]。移植后28天输注NK细胞组CD3^＋细胞表达水平明显低于不输注NK细胞组[（33．69±3．36）％们（50．40±5．06）％，P〈0．01]，移植后60天两组比较差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。在非致死剂量TBI预处理的移植中，移植后30天．异基因骨髓移植组H-2K^b＋细胞表达率明显下降，移植后60天已下降至移植前水平；而输注高浓度和低浓度NK细胞的两组在移植后60天仍能检测到80％以上的H-2^b＋细胞表达。结论：在小鼠allo—BMT中，同种异基因反应性NK细胞可以抑制移植排斥，提高造血干细胞的植入水平，促进造血及免疫重建并增加移植受鼠的生存率。     

Functional selectin ligands mediating human CD34(+) cell interactions with bone marrow endothelium are enhanced postnatally

Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) can home to the bone marrow (BM) after a simple intravenous injection, but the adhesive mechanisms mediating the initial interactions of human HPCs with the BM endothelium have not been evaluated in vivo. Using fluorescence intravital microscopy and homing assays in NOD/SCID mice, we show that endothelial selectins are necessary for human adult CD34(+) cell homing, since rolling on BM endothelium and retention in the BM compartment are drastically reduced (>90%) in endothelial selectin-deficient NOD/SCID mice. Comparative analyses of CD34(+) cells collected from adults and from cord blood (CB) reveal that neonatal cells display reduced rolling fractions compared with adult CD34(+) cells obtained from peripheral blood or BM, suggesting abnormal selectin ligand function on neonatal progenitors. Flow cytometric and intravital microscopy studies suggest that this defect results from nonfunctional P-selectin ligand on a subset ( approximately 30%) of neonatal CD34(+) cells. Further analyses indicate that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is expressed in a nonfunctional form among neonatal CD34(+) cells that do not bind P-selectin and that this subset is enriched in primitive CD34(+)CD38(lo/-) progenitors. These results underscore the potential to improve homing of CB CD34(+) cells to the BM by manipulation of selectins and their ligands.     

Osmometric and permeability characteristics of human placental/umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells and their application to cryopreservation

The transplantation of placental/cord blood-derived HPC (e.g., CD34+ cells) has become a useful treatment for a broad spectrum of malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The ability to cryopreserve this cell type with high efficiency adds considerable flexibility to cord blood transplantation. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the fundamental cryobiologic factors of these cells, including the osmotic/permeability characteristics, and to use a theoretical approach to optimize freezing procedures. To that end, biophysical parameters, including the osmotically inactive cell volume (Vb), hydraulic conductivity (Lp), and cryoprotectant permeability coefficient (P(CPA)) for DMSO and propylene glycol were measured using a modified Coulter Counter (Coulter Electronics, Inc., Hialeah, FL) at 22 degrees C. In addition, the osmotic tolerance of PCB CD34+ cells was assessed using a colony-forming assay. These experimentally determined parameters were used in a mathematical model to predict optimal cryoprotectant addition and removal procedures. The results demonstrate a Vb of 0.32 x V(iso), an average Lp of 0.17 +/- 0.03 (microm/min/atm +/- SD), and a PCPA of 0.94 +/- 0.004 or 1.0 +/- 0.004 cm/min (x10(-3)) for DMSO or propylene glycol, respectively. No significant difference was determined between the two cryoprotectants used. The osmotic tolerance limits were determined to be 200 and 600 mOsm/kg (1.29 and 0.62 x V(iso), respectively). These results indicate potential benefits of modifications to the widely used method of Rubinstein et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:10119-10122, 1995) for cord blood CD34+ cell cryopreservation. As opposed to Rubinstein's method in which DMSO is added to cooled cell suspensions over a 15-min interval, our data indicate that better results may be obtained by introducing and removing the cryoprotectant at ambient temperature over 5 min both to increase viability by avoiding unnecessary risks from osmotic shock and to simplify the protocol. In addition, substitution of propylene glycol for DMSO may be of benefit during the actual freezing and thawing process.     

A simple cryopreservation method for dendritic cells and cells used in their derivation and functional assessment

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation and storage permitting multiple treatments with single donations is of practical importance to cellular therapies. HES and DMSO, used successfully in simple clinical procedures for freezing marrow and peripheral blood progenitor cells at -80 degrees C, was tested on antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) and cells used in their derivation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: DCs cultured in serum-free media from adherent or CD14+ apheresis MNCs (n = 36) in the presence of GM-CSF + IL4 +/- TNFalpha were frozen and stored at -80 degrees C in 6-percent HES, 5-percent DMSO, and 4-percent HSA. Apheresis MNCs, CD14+ monocytes, and lymphocytes were similarly frozen and later thawed for culture. Cells were assayed for viability, DC phenotype, mixed lymphocyte reaction, and antigen presentation before and 3, 6, 9, 12 or more months after freezing. RESULTS: DCs retained viability (82 +/- 2.3%) for at least 24 months. Mature and immature phenotype and function were preserved. Thawed MNCs and CD14+ cells differentiated to DCs and lymphocytes maintained high functional viability (92 +/- 3%) comparable to prefreeze levels. CONCLUSION: A simple -80 degrees C freezing and storage method that combines extracellular (HES) and intracellular (DMSO) agents is practical and preserves functional viability of DCs, MNCs, CD14+ monocytes, and lymphocytes.     

Uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at -80 degrees C, with only 3.5-percent DMSO in cryoprotective solution for 109 autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantations

BACKGROUND: Although controlled-rate freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen are the standard procedure for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) cryopreservation, uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at -80 degrees C have been reported. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The prospective evaluation of 109 autologous PBPC transplantations after uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at -80 degrees C of apheresis products is reported. The cryoprotectant solution contained final concentrations of 1-percent human serum albumin, 2.5-percent hydroxyethyl starch, and 3.5-percent DMSO. RESULTS: With in vitro assays, the median recoveries of nucleated cells (NCs), CD34+ cells, CFU-GM, and BFU-E were 60.8 percent (range, 11.2-107.1%), 79.6 percent (6.3-158.1%), 35.6 percent (0.3-149.5%), and 32.6 percent (1.7-151.1%), respectively. The median length of storage was 7 weeks (range, 1-98). The median cell dose, per kg of body weight, given to patients after the preparative regimen was 6.34 x 10(8) NCs (range, 0.02-38.3), 3.77 x 10(6) CD34+ cells (0.23-58.5), and 66.04 x 10(4) CFU-GM (1.38-405.7). The median time to reach 0.5 x 10(9) granulocytes per L, 20 x 10(9) platelets per L, and 50 x 10(9) reticulocytes per L was 11 (range, 0-37), 11 (0-129), and 17 (0-200) days, respectively. Hematopoietic reconstitution did not differ in patients undergoing myeloablative or nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens before transplantation. CONCLUSION: This simple and less expensive cryopreservation procedure can produce successful engraftment, comparable to that obtained with the standard storage procedure.